The NFL has witnessed countless thrilling games, but some stand out due to their astonishing comebacks. These moments often define a team’s legacy, turning games that seemed lost into unforgettable triumphs. Whether in regular-season matchups or intense playoff battles, some teams have defied the odds to orchestrate miraculous recoveries.
From the early days of professional football to more recent seasons, the history of the NFL is rich with incredible stories of resilience. Below, we rank the top 10 greatest comebacks in NFL history, showcasing moments where teams overcame seemingly insurmountable deficits to claim victory.
10) Indianapolis Colts vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2003)
The 2003 Monday Night Football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stands out as one of Peyton Manning’s best comebacks. Trailing 35-14, the Colts mounted a comeback that started with a 90-yard kick return from Brad Pyatt. After recovering an onside kick, Manning led the team on a fast-paced drive to score, narrowing the gap to just one touchdown. A late penalty on Tampa Bay allowed the Colts another chance to tie the game, which they did with a 52-yard pass to Marvin Harrison. In overtime, Mike Vanderjagt kicked the game-winning field goal after a Bucs penalty, securing a thrilling 38-35 victory.
9) San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints (1980)
In a dramatic 1980 Week 14 game, the San Francisco 49ers rallied from a 35-7 halftime deficit against the winless New Orleans Saints. Joe Montana led a furious second-half comeback, including a mix of running and passing touchdowns. With the game tied in overtime, Ray Wersching’s 36-yard field goal secured the victory. This game is memorable not just for its unlikely outcome but also because it was part of Montana’s legacy of late-game heroics, cementing his reputation as a clutch quarterback.
8) San Diego Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins (1981-82 AFC Divisional Round)
The “Epic in Miami” took place in the 1981-82 AFC Divisional Round, where the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins exchanged blows in an extraordinary game. San Diego built an early 24-0 lead, only to see Miami storm back with 24 unanswered points. The game went into overtime, where both teams had blocked field goals before Rolf Benirschke kicked a game-winning 29-yard field goal. The game is remembered for its wild back-and-forth nature, with Kellen Winslow emerging as a hero for the Chargers with his key plays on both offense and special teams.
7) San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants (2002-03 NFC Wild Card)
The 2002-03 NFC Wild Card game between the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants is another iconic NFL comeback. The Giants led 38-14 late in the third quarter, but Jeff Garcia’s leadership sparked a comeback. Garcia’s throws to Terrell Owens and his own touchdown runs narrowed the gap. Despite a final drive from the Giants to set up a potential game-winning field goal, a bad snap and a penalty killed their hopes. Garcia then led the 49ers on a game-winning touchdown drive, sealing the victory in a dramatic 39-38 win.
6) Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans (2019-20 AFC Divisional Round)
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2019-20 AFC Divisional Round comeback against the Houston Texans became a turning point for the franchise, showcasing Patrick Mahomes’ incredible ability. Trailing 24-0 early in the game, Mahomes and the Chiefs turned things around in a hurry. By halftime, Kansas City had taken a 28-24 lead, and they never looked back. Mahomes threw for five touchdowns, leading the Chiefs to a 51-31 victory, which propelled them toward a Super Bowl win that cemented Mahomes’ legacy as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
5) Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles Chargers (2022-23 AFC Wild Card)
In one of the most jaw-dropping comebacks in NFL playoff history, the Jacksonville Jaguars overcame a 27-0 deficit against the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2022-23 AFC Wild Card game. Trevor Lawrence, who had thrown four interceptions in the first half, bounced back in the second half, throwing three touchdowns. His leadership culminated in a game-winning field goal, with the Jaguars securing a 31-30 victory. This game marked a significant achievement for head coach Doug Pederson and Lawrence, who showcased resilience against a Chargers team known for its playoff collapses.
4) Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2013-14 AFC Wild Card)
The 2013-14 AFC Wild Card game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Kansas City Chiefs saw the Colts pull off an incredible comeback after trailing by 28 points. Despite Andrew Luck’s three interceptions, the Colts scored three touchdowns in the third quarter, narrowing the lead. With under 11 minutes remaining, Luck threw a game-winning touchdown to T.Y. Hilton, completing a remarkable 45-44 victory. This game is remembered for Luck’s composure under pressure and the Colts’ ability to recover from a seemingly insurmountable deficit.
3) Minnesota Vikings vs. Indianapolis Colts (2022)
In the largest comeback in NFL history, the Minnesota Vikings erased a 33-point deficit against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15 of the 2022 season. The Vikings had struggled throughout the first half, but quarterback Kirk Cousins sparked the team’s rally, leading them to four quick second-half touchdowns. After tying the game and forcing overtime, the Vikings completed the comeback with a field goal to win 39-36. Minnesota’s offense, combined with their defense’s improvements, made this victory one of the most impressive in NFL history.
2) Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Oilers (1993-94 AFC Wild Card)
Dubbed “The Comeback,” the Buffalo Bills’ recovery against the Houston Oilers in the 1993-94 AFC Wild Card game remains the largest comeback in NFL postseason history. The Bills, trailing 35-3 in the third quarter, mounted a miraculous comeback led by backup quarterback Frank Reich. Reich threw four touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, including three to Andre Reed, to tie the game. Buffalo won in overtime, completing a 41-38 victory. The game is iconic not only for the comeback itself but also because it solidified Reich’s place in NFL lore as a backup quarterback hero.
1) New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons (Super Bowl LI)
The greatest comeback in NFL history occurred in Super Bowl LI, when the New England Patriots overcame a 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons. Led by Tom Brady, the Patriots scored 25 unanswered points in the second half to tie the game. With momentum on their side, Brady guided New England through an overtime drive, culminating in a touchdown to win 34-28. This comeback solidified Brady’s legacy as the greatest quarterback of all time, as he led the Patriots to their fifth Super Bowl victory and made this game one of the most iconic moments in NFL history.
The NFL has seen countless incredible comebacks, but these 10 stand out for their sheer drama, intensity, and the resilience shown by the teams involved. From Peyton Manning’s Monday night miracle to Tom Brady’s historic Super Bowl win, these moments prove that no lead is ever truly safe in the NFL. Whether driven by legendary quarterbacks or unsung heroes, these comebacks remind us that in football, anything is possible.
